Wednesday, August 19, 2009

TRAVERSE CITY — Joseph M. Blume, 82, of Traverse City, died Sunday, July 16, 2006, at the Grand Traverse Pavilions.

Joe was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Sept. 30, 1923, the son of Joseph F. And Loretta (Wolbert) Blume. Following graduation from St. Martin's High School, he served with the U. S. Navy during World War II. He then became a member of the U. S. Navy Reserves, and was called back to active duty to serve in the Korean War.

Moving to Traverse City in 1946, Joe was employed as the manager of the North Star Lines Bus Terminal. He was a life member of the Cherryland VFW Post 2780, and was an active member of the VFW Post Honor Guard.

Joe was a great sports fan, especially following all of the Pittsburgh teams. His favorite ball player was Roberto Clemente. Joe loved and lived Dixieland music and jazz. He was an exceptional drummer, playing with the Riverboat Seven, the Steamboat Gothics, the Klankenfelter Trio and many small combos. He was well-known for his interpretation and impersonation of Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, and was often asked to present that impersonation at different events, including the Rotary Show. His marvelous sense of humor, his jokes, nicknames and many stories will always be remembered by all who were fortunate to know Joe.

Survivors include his children, Gloria J. (David) Morkin, Nancy (Melvin) Kiogima, Patricia Wallace and David Blume, all of Traverse City; his grandchildren, Max, Marjorie and Melinda, Jennifer, Casey, Melvin II, Carey, Kelly, Kody, Carter and Kyan; 14 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Virginia (Richard) Annibale, Jean B. Snyder and Margaret Mary "Peggy" Blume, all of Pittsburgh. Also surviving is his very special friend and companion of 10 years, Marie Vilders of Traverse City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife, Bette; his son Joseph; grandson, Collin; and brother, Robert.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with Deacon Rene Hoensheid officiating. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place in Oakwood Cemetery, where military honors will be provided by the Cherryland VFW Post 2780 Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions in Joe's memory should be directed to his favorite charity, the Easter Seals Foundation.

About This Blog: Military in Korea

Military in Korea is about the Grand Traverse County area with some surrounding counties of Antrim, Leelanau, Kalkaska and Benzie. If you have info that would be appropriate for this blog please submit to Brenda at kingsley@aol.com with Military in Korea in the subject heading.

This blog was started because I could NOT find basic information on the internet about the area men and women that served in the Korean conflict.Thank you for visiting!!!

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